The era of Apartheid in South Africa came to an end with the first free elections in 1994. Since then, visual art has played an instrumental role in the process of societal change: the quest for a new national identity is vividly reflected in the diversity of contemporary South African art. This book provides an in-depth look at the South African art scene with numerous illustrations and essays by German and South African authors such as Hans Günther Golinski, David Koloane, Magdalena Kröner, and Ralf-P. Seippel. Seventeen artists are featured - in most cases with their most recent works of painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, and video - including internationally known artists such as Jane Alexander and Documenta-participant William Kentridge as well as lesser known artists. Traditional forms of artistic expression, such as Ndebele murals or sculptural drums, are presented as equals to works created by recycling and processing the trash cast off by the wealthy. This stimulating and richly illustrated publication also addresses issues such as identity, urbanity, and life in a multicultural society. Exhibition schedule: Museum Bochum, July 31-November 7, 2004 · Pretoria Art Museum, January 20-February 27, 2005 · Johannesburg Art Gallery, April 3-May 29, 2005